GEAR REVIEW: SALTWATER PROVEN, FRESHWATER READY – March/April 2022

FISHING GEAR IS is not all created equal.

There are so many fish species, techniques, and strategies that demand different kinds of gear to accomplish the task of simply catching a fish.

Soaking a pound hunk of cut stingray on a wide-gapped circle hook for sharks in the surf for example is radically different from drifting a tiny “midge” fly that is as small as a grain of rice to catch a brown trout.

But at the end of the day, it’s all fishing.

The great dividing lines in tackle stores are between salt and freshwater equipment. But in reality, blurring that line can have real advantages for fishermen, especially freshwater fishermen. 

Gear that is made to survive salty water, sand, rough seas, and toothy predators can easily sustain the pressures of bass or crappie fishing. Also, by its more durable nature, it outlasts much of the equipment designed for freshwater applications.

We have broken down some of the myriad tackle choices available at Calcuttaoutdoors.com and made some suggestions for the opportunity to crossover from salt to fresh.

Explorer Tackle Bag

Organize your tackle efficiently and securely with the Explorer Tackle Bags. The main storage compartment includes four tackle trays. External pockets provide additional storage. Exterior pliers holster is located on a side pocket for easy tool access. Easy-grip zipper pulls are provided for effortless opening, even with wet hands. It also has a padded, adjustable shoulder strap for hands-free transport. Dimensions: 13.5 inches x 9.5 inches x 10inches. There is plenty of room for worms, weights, beads, spinners, and swimbaits here.

Bait Binder

The Explorer Bait Binder keeps your tackle organized and easily accessible, and it’s perfect for organizing soft plastic worms and jig trailers. Durable 420D ripstop nylon construction holds up under extreme conditions. Includes five removable plastic sleeves. The locking ring system allows you to quickly add or remove sleeves. It comes with eight internal semi-transparent zipper pockets for additional storage.

Waterproof Tackle Trays

These waterproof 4-Latch Tackle Trays are built to handle all your tackle storage needs, including crankbaits, jigs, and spinners. The tackle trays are designed to be secure and waterproof. Every box features a secure four latch system, a watertight seal to keep water and moisture out, and a gray tint to help protect lures from fading.

This is important for bass fishermen as they often lay their trays on the deck for easy access while trying to figure out exactly what the fish wants. They are customizable from six to 21 compartments for the 3700 and five to 13 compartments for the 3600. There are two trays per pack.

Rod Wraps

Squall Rod Wraps are built with a soft foam backing to protect your rods. Hook and loop closure allows for easy adjustability. Wraps are made of durable 420-denier rip-stop fabric with Mossy Oak® Coastal Shoreline pattern. With these wraps, you can secure up to five rods for storage and transport. Whether you’re on a pontoon boat crappie trip with the family or you’re a solo bass angler with more rod choices than your local tackle shop, these are a great option to save that important investment in tackle.

Round Handle De-Hookers

These De-Hookers can help you save the life of the bass you catch or help you get that deep-hooked catfish off without you getting finned. The dual-density round handle allows for a firm, non-slip tool. Shafts are made from heavy-duty stainless steel. “S” sharper head is designed to allow you to push or pull out hooks. Lanyard included.

Aluminum Split Ring Pliers

If you’re looking for a tool that provides you with performance, comfort, and durability under the toughest conditions, this Split Ring Plier is a great choice. Designed and tested by experienced and demanding anglers, these tools feature aluminum construction with split ring plier tips and crimper. The carbide cutter is great for mono and braid so it will work with both your crankbait and worming setup. A spring-loaded handle makes it easy to open and close.

Fillet Knife Kit

The Calcutta Squall Torque Series fish fillet knife kit includes three knives, a nine-inch curved knife, a seven-inch fillet knife, and a six-inch boning knife. Also included is a sharpener, plastic sheath, and zip-up carrying case. All knives feature a torque comfort grip providing a high level of traction, even when wet.

We have tested this setup and found it to be great for redfish and sheepshead we’ve cleaned. This translates to making easy work of crappie and sand bass.

Five-Inch Braid Scissors

What bass fishermen doesn’t use braid? It has numerous applications that make it standard-edition gear. These Scissors will cut the smallest to the largest diameter braid. And the oversized handles make handling easy.

Fighting Belt

You might not think of a Fighting Belt for freshwater. However, with the growing popularity of catch-and-release alligator garfish and the pursuit of trophy-sized catfish in Texas, you just might need one.

This fish fight belt is available with a 12 ½-inch or 15-inch plate constructed from a specially formulated impact-resistant polymer shell. Foam padded backing keeps the belt from slipping. There’s also an adjustable heavy-duty mesh belt with a quick-release buckle for a secure fit and easy removal.

Renegade Fish Cooler

Perfect for the crappie and bream fishermen, Renegade Fish Cooler bags feature a high-quality waterproof zipper and a wide opening for easy access when loading or unloading ice and fish. They’re also loaded with open-cell foam insulation for superior insulating properties to keep your catch cool and fresh. Material skin is durable, tough, and lightweight. Strong carry handles and a padded shoulder strap make for easy transport.

Tackle purchases are an investment in the limited recreation time we have. So, why not consider some saltwater-proven gear that can easily get the job done on lakes, rivers, and streams across Texas?

Check out these products and much, much more at www.calcuttaoutdoors.com.

 

 

—TF&G STAFF REPORT

 

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